The movers passed by him, placing all of his belongings in there proper place. Only he payed them no mind, to rapped up in his own depression over what took place only weeks before. This was the worst time in Bruce Wayne's life.
Losing the love of his life Rachel in a battle that was meant for him to bear, gave him the feeling of being torn inside out. Seated in a large arm chair in his den, Bruce stared at the wall across from him lost in his own thoughts. So absorbed he was, he did not hear Alfred enter the room.
"Sir the movers are almost done, shall I pay them or do you wish to do it?" Alfred said as he approached the arm chair.
"Huh? Oh I'm sorry Alfred, what did you say?"
"Do you wish for me to pay the movers?"
"No I'll do it. You can take the rest of the night off Alfred."
"Thank You sir." Alfred bowed slightly before turning to leave the room, but before he could leave Bruce spoke up from his place in the chair.
"Do you think that it was my fault? The guilt is starting to tear me up inside, I feel like it should have been me in the explosion. It's all my fault that Rachel lost her life and Harvey's too, how can I ever forgive myself." Bruce said in almost a whisper, still staring at the wall in front of him.
Alfred could almost feel the agony in his voice as he spoke. He slowly approached the chair from which is employer and friend sat.
"You did what you could, you had no way of knowing of where the Joker really took Rachel. You may always live with the guilt and lose, but remember that she loved you and would not want you to wallow and slowly fade away because of the guilt that you feel for her death." Alfred said as he reached out and put a hand on Bruce's shoulder.
"Just remember that you should not mourn a person's passing, but celebrate and cherish the time that you have spent with them in this life. Miss Rachel may be gone but she will always be remembered in your heart." Alfred peered down at Bruce and could see the tears welling up in his eyes.
"I don't know if I can do that Alfred, I may never be able to forgive myself and I don't think that I can."
"It will subside in time, you will be able to learn to live with the lose of the one that you loved most and go on with your life, even though it may not be as complete as you would have wanted, she would have wanted for you to be happy and live life to the fullest."
"I know, Thank you Alfred, I think that I understand this a little better." Bruce said as he looked up at his old friend, the tears still running freely down his cheeks.
"Goodnight sir, I will be back in the morning." Alfred said after he patted Bruce on the shoulder, giving him a reassuring smile. He then turned walking out of the den, closing the doors behind him.
After Alfred left, Bruce sat in the chair for how long he did not know, just thinking about the last few weeks. He pondered if Alfred was really right, would the pain subside in time or will it only get worse with him missing her more each day. Only time would tell, but all he knew at this moment was that he would always miss the love of his life.